US bans WhatsApp on Official Devices citing Security Concerns
Federal lawmakers have directed that WhatsApp be removed from all government-issued devices used by U.S. House of Representatives staffers. The memo, shared June 23 by the House Chief Administrative Officer, warns that the app poses significant cybersecurity risks.
The Office of Cybersecurity flagged WhatsApp as “high risk” due to unclear data protection practices, missing encryption for stored messages, and broader security vulnerabilities, not just on mobile, but also on desktop and browser versions, according to Reuters.
Axios reports the ban was issued as part of wider efforts to limit the use of communication and AI tools that may threaten sensitive data. The memo directs that WhatsApp be deleted from any government device, including smartphones, laptops, or web clients.
Internal guidance urges staff to turn to approved alternatives. Supported platforms include Microsoft Teams, Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime, encrypted services like Signal and Wickr, underscoring a preference for systems under stricter control.
WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, countered that the platform uses default end-to-end encryption and claims stronger protection than many approved apps. Former Meta spokesperson Andy Stone described the move as “characterizing [WhatsApp] in the strongest possible terms” on X, signaling strong disagreement.
This measure echoes previous bans on consumer apps like TikTok across federal agencies. Under the No TikTok on Government Devices Act of 2022, all federal devices were barred from using TikTok. The trend reflects growing concerns over apps with ties to foreign entities or undefined data policies.
Security experts, speaking to Hindustan Times, note that while WhatsApp messages remain encrypted, its broader data collection and cloud backup practices remain opaque. They argue that potential vulnerabilities, especially where federal records or location data are concerned, justify caution.
House staffers are now tasked with removing the app. The Chief Administrative Officer plans periodic reviews of the approved app list to respond to evolving threats.
What this means?
For congressional operations, relying on sanctioned platforms establishes a tightly controlled digital environment. Apps like Signal, Wickr, and Teams offer clearer oversight and better compatibility with official record-keeping. Any recurrence of unauthorized apps could prompt removal of access or even device retrieval.
As lawmakers probe digital threats at scale, including surveillance software and foreign-linked platforms, this policy marks another step in aligning federal tech rules with modern cybersecurity frameworks.
